Honoring Walt Gdowski: A True Industry Titan and Friend

Last week on Agency Intelligence, Jason Cass and Roger Sitkins had the honor of celebrating the life and legacy of Walt Gdowski, a true pillar of our industry and a dear friend to so many.

Walt wasn’t just the long-time CEO of Rough Notes; he was a mentor, an innovator, and someone who deeply believed in the power of relationships in this business. Whether he was modernizing Rough Notes into a trusted resource or championing independent agents across the country, Walt always led with generosity and integrity.

One of the things we reflected on was Walt’s commitment to community, not just in words, but in action. He launched the Rough Notes Community Service Award to highlight the countless ways insurance professionals give back. That award has helped shine a spotlight on the good that agents do every single day, far beyond the walls of our industry.

Walt was also one of the most fun-loving and multi-dimensional people you could meet, a licensed pilot, an avid golfer, and someone who valued every moment with colleagues and friends. His legacy isn’t just the work he did, it’s the way he made you feel: encouraged, supported, and part of something bigger than yourself.

To those of us fortunate enough to know him, Walt set a high standard for leadership, mentorship, and generosity. The independent agency community is better because of him, and we’re all beneficiaries of the values he lived by.